Being a caregiver for someone going through a cancer diagnosis can be a very difficult, physically and emotionally grueling job. In fact, being a cancer co-survivor or caregiver can be a serious threat to your own health. Studies show that cancer caregivers also stuggle:
40-50% struggle with probable anxiety
16-32% struggle with probable depression
25% face high financial strain
22% suffer from negative physical health effects
15% have severe pre-loss grief symptoms
In fact, high caregiver strain has been associated with higher mortality rates than non-caregivers.
Emotions Experienced by the Family and Friends of Someone with Cancer
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Uncertainty
- Anxiety
- Fear of treatment related side effects
- Anger
- Depression
- Guilt
- Grief and loss
- Fear of recurrence
The good news is there are resources available for you, too. Pl